Klipprunden - 1984 08 22

Magazine Overview

This issue of Tidens Krav, dated August 22, 1984, primarily focuses on the controversial UFO photograph taken by Pål Kristian Vaag in Aure, Nordmøre, Norway, and the subsequent media and official reactions. The magazine also touches upon other UFO-related news and public opinion.

Media Frenzy and Official Skepticism

The cover story, "Hatt ble UFO" (Hat became UFO), highlights the intense media attention, particularly from Verdens Gang, which published the photograph on its front page. The article expresses frustration with how the media and authorities, specifically Captain Kåre Kvamme of the Norwegian Air Force, dismiss genuine sightings as "pranks" or "hoaxes." The author criticizes Kvamme for admitting the photo shows no signs of forgery but still labeling it a "good joke" and for the Air Force's perceived lack of seriousness in investigating such phenomena.

The magazine details the analysis of Vaag's photo by experts at Rygge Flystasjon. Captain Kvamme is quoted as saying that while the photo cannot be definitively ruled out as a UFO, it is "highly probable that this is a prank." He suggests the object might have been thrown from a rooftop, likening it to an old "German washbasin." The poor quality of the photograph, taken with a pocket camera a year prior to development, is cited as a difficulty in analysis.

Despite the official skepticism, Pål Kristian Vaag maintains his conviction that he saw and photographed a UFO. He recounts the event, stating the object moved slowly before disappearing, and estimates its size to be between 10 to 15 meters in diameter, aligning with some expert estimates if the object were real.

UFO in Hamar

Another report details a UFO sighting in Hamar on August 11, 1984. Two 12-year-old boys, Per Olav Sanner and Ole Kristen Øverberg, claim to have seen an unidentified object in the sky, which they managed to photograph. The object was described as very bright due to the sun and disappeared after a few minutes.

Public Opinion and Other Reports

The issue includes a section featuring opinions from various individuals on UFOs. Some, like Kjell H. Walderhaug, are hesitant, suggesting natural phenomena or misidentifications. Others, like Jens Gjelseth and Frank Mathisen, believe there is more to the universe than what is currently understood, while Alfred Muren remains skeptical, preferring to see evidence himself.

There is also a mention of a committee meeting hosted by Odd-Gunnar Røed and a planned trip to Arendal for a meeting, indicating ongoing efforts to organize and gather information on UFO phenomena. The article also references a "Brosjyresentralen" (Brochure Central) initiative, noting a significant number of interested individuals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be one of support for serious UFO investigation and a critical view of official dismissals. It champions the idea that UFO sightings should be treated with more respect and less immediate skepticism, particularly when photographic evidence is presented. The editorial tone is passionate, expressing anger at what is perceived as a cover-up or a lack of due diligence by authorities and media. The recurring theme is the struggle to have UFO phenomena taken seriously in the face of established institutions and public skepticism, with a particular focus on the media's role in shaping public perception.

This issue of Bergens Tidende, dated August 9, 1984, features a prominent article on page 1 titled "UFO-Burt i VG?" by BT journalist Egil Rafto. The issue also includes a section titled "FOLK FARTA" (People in a Hurry) on page 2, which surveys public opinion on UFOs, and a satirical piece on page 3 concerning the Hessdalen phenomenon.

UFO-Burt i VG?

The main article on page 1 delves into a UFO photograph that was published by the Norwegian newspaper VG. The story suggests that the character 'Burt' from the comedy series 'Forviklingar' (Trouble) might have influenced VG's editorial decision to feature the UFO story so prominently. The photograph was reportedly taken by Pål Kristian Vaag a year prior, while he was on military leave. Initially, the photo was presented to Lieutenant Colonel Einar Smedsvig for examination.

VG's coverage, as reported by Rafto, highlighted the astonishment of photo experts at Rygge, particularly Captain Kåre Kvamme, who was quoted as saying that it was difficult to dismiss the possibility of it being a UFO. However, Rafto contrasts this with a phone conversation he had with Kvamme on the same day. In this conversation, Kvamme expressed skepticism, calling the photo a "good joke" and suggesting that an object might have been thrown from a rooftop, rather than it being a genuine UFO.

Rafto also attempted to contact the photographer, Pål Kristian Vaag, without success. Vaag's mother, when reached by BT, expressed her reluctance to discuss the matter, stating she did not believe in UFOs and had not heard about the photo being taken. She also mentioned that her son, Jan Kristian, had a long-standing obsession with UFOs, which she felt had gone too far.

The article concludes by reiterating the comparison between Burt's UFO obsession and VG's editorial choices.

Folk Farta: Tror du på UFO'er?

Page 2 features a section called "FOLK FARTA" (People in a Hurry), which includes brief interviews with several individuals from Moss regarding their beliefs in UFOs. Most respondents express skepticism. Lisbeth Jørgensen, an expeditor, admits she hasn't thought much about it but wouldn't mind meeting "little green men." Lasse Gulbrandsen, also an expeditor, states he doesn't believe in UFOs but hasn't thought about it much. Pål Andreassen, who is self-employed, is convinced that alleged UFO sightings are "bluff" but finds the idea of extraterrestrial life elsewhere in the universe plausible. Helge Kristiansen, a bank employee, believes that UFO reports are usually exposed as hoaxes. Julianne Nagy, a holiday temp, believes in life on other planets but is unsure if they would visit Earth, finding it hard to believe without concrete proof.

This section also includes a political note indicating that "Moss Dagblad" has a tendency towards the Labour Party.

- Skal grønne menn bygge i Hessdalen

Page 3 presents a satirical piece, possibly by 'Plasma', discussing the UFO phenomenon in Hessdalen. The author notes the extensive coverage of Hessdalen in various publications, suggesting that the residents might have been influenced spiritually and mentally by these unknown beings. The article then humorously critiques the peculiar behavior of the Hessdalen residents regarding local infrastructure decisions. For instance, they protested the closure of a local school but later protested the establishment of a new one. Similarly, they lobbied for a housing development area, which was approved and developed, but then residents chose to build houses outside the designated area. The author sarcastically questions whether the residents are waiting for "green men from UFOs" to occupy the housing development.

The page also includes comic strips, one of which features characters discussing why stars are not visible during the day, with a humorous explanation about them being switched off to save electricity. Another comic strip shows a character, possibly a student, expressing pessimism about failing a physics exam.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue displays a skeptical yet curious stance towards the UFO phenomenon. While acknowledging the public interest and media attention, particularly from VG, the articles tend to lean towards debunking or questioning the authenticity of UFO sightings. The humor in the Hessdalen piece and the direct skepticism from Kvamme and some Moss residents suggest an editorial inclination to treat UFO reports with a critical eye, often attributing them to pranks or misinterpretations. The comparison to the fictional character Burt further emphasizes this lighthearted, yet critical, approach to the topic.